Observing that the main 2G case against former telecom minister A Raja and the separate case against Essar Teleholdings (ETHL) and Loop Telecom were distinct cases,the Special CBI court hearing the 2G spectrum cases on Monday dismissed the applications filed by ETHL and Kusegaon Ltd director Rajiv Aggarwal for a joint trial of the cases. Both applications are dismissed, Special CBI Judge OP Saini said,adding that the trial will continue as it is. The two accused had demanded a joint trial of the cheating case against Essar- Loop and the main case against A Raja and others on the grounds that the chargesheet field in the Essar case had been filed as a supplementary chargesheet in the main case,and certain witnesses in the main case were repeated in the Essar case. Senior Advocate Harish Salve,appearing for ETHL,had argued that the CBI had made a mess as they had changed their stance before the Supreme Court and the trial court. He had said that the agency had told the SC that Section 220 of CrPC (trial for more than one offence) would apply in the case while before the trial court,they have argued that it would not apply. 2G: CBI opposes Balwas plea New Delhi: CBI on Monday opposed in a Delhi court the plea of Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa,facing trial in the 2G spectrum case,seeking exemption from personal appearance,saying the agency has got information that he has travelled abroad without prior permission. PTI
